My socks stay intact, but I know a lot of runners who struggle with holey socks — and holey running shoes, too! Knock on wood that hasn’t been a problem for me so far. I got curious about what might cause this problem and any possible solutions.
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday. Today I’m sharing 5 tips to keep your socks whole.
1: Keep your toenails short
I personally find that if my toenails are too long, they tend to hurt after a run. So I do keep them pretty short at all times. If you’re racing, make sure to clip those toenails a few days before your race, not the night before.
2: Consider a wider toe box
The narrower toe boxes may cause more friction between running shoe and sock, which can be the culprit when it comes to holes in socks.
3: How dry are your toes?
If the skin on your feet — and especially your toes — is dry and rough, that could be a culprit, too. Make sure to keep your feet moisturized. I love Calendula lotion for this.
4: But don’t let them get too sweaty!
Could sweat be the culprit? Sweat might cause your socks to get stuck to your shoe, and that could cause friction and tearing. I like to use powder on my feet before I run.
5: Go up a size in your sock
Yes, it might be this simple. Socks are elastic, and generally just mold to your feet. It may seem counterintuitive to get a larger sock, but if you’re sock is actually to tight, that can cause problems. I remember I once got large socks in a swag bag (I typically wear a M), and was surprised when I tried them on that they were still very comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully I never have to deal with holey socks or shoes, but over the years I’ve just gotten very curious about what might cause holes in socks for runners. Some of the things I learned surprised me. I hope that one of these tips proves useful to you!
Do you get holes in your running socks or shoes?
Do you have more tips for keeping your socks whole?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Never gotten a hole in my sock. As a result I have too many pairs. Lol.
I wear a wider toe box for other reasons. Keep toe nails short (yes the night before a race!)
No on the others.
Another tip may be to get good socks. Although my cheap ones are ok too for daily runs
Thanks for the tips.
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Nope, I’ve never had a hole in mine either. I just got curious about why it happens.
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My left foot is slightly bigger than my right one, so that’s the sock that usually sees the most wear & tear. I sometimes wear that sock inside-out to get a little more ‘mileage” out of it. I’ve tried darning some of my socks, but I get lazy with my limited free time (and I’d rather be doing other things).
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I think it’s relatively normal to have different sized feet. I don’t think I’d darnnsocks if they had holes! Luckily mine usually last a very long time.
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I do not get holes in my socks but I am looking to explore brands and styles for some more cushioning
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The reason I like Balegas is they have cushy socks!
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These are all good tips- I don’t usually have this problem, except when my socks get REALLY old. I’m impressed that Kim has attempted to darn her socks- I don’t think most people do that nowadays!
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My socks are really old. Never do get holes in them. But nom8 wouldn’t darn them if I did
,
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That’s interesting, I haven’t had this problem with running socks before. I just run in one type so I wonder if it would happen with other socks.
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It hasn’t happened to me, either. If it ain’t broke do fix it. 😉
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I’ve gotten holes in my SmartWool socks. The recommended size is a M and I got a L and still got holes. Not happy with it. Because of that I am not planning to buy anymore. I am going to stick to Balega but will try other ones as well.
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That’s really too bad about the Smartwool but if they don’t work, they don’t.
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Interesting I’ve never gotten holes in my socks – maybe the extra cushion is a positive factor? I like to run in Balegas and Feetures.
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I like cushiony socks, too
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Interesting. I rarely get holes in my socks, but I could see how long toenails could make it happen. I never thought sweat could be an issue.
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Yes, I’ve never had holes either but I heard about it enough that I really began to wonder about it!
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